Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Penile lengthening, Phalloplasty (in some contexts, though phalloplasty often refers to penile construction), Penile augmentation, Restoration of penile length, Penile size restoration.
Definition
Penile length restoration refers to a range of medical and surgical interventions designed to recover or increase penile length that may have been lost due to conditions such as Peyronie’s disease, congenital abnormalities, trauma, or as a perceived side effect of treatments for other conditions like prostate cancer. These procedures aim to address not only the physical aspect of penile shortening but also the significant psychological distress and impact on quality of life that patients may experience.¹ The techniques employed can vary widely, from non-invasive methods like traction therapy to complex surgical reconstructions, including plaque incision or excision with grafting, and procedures performed concomitantly with inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation.² The primary purpose is to restore a functional and aesthetically acceptable penile length, thereby improving sexual function, self-esteem, and overall patient satisfaction.³
Clinical Context
Penile length restoration techniques are clinically indicated for patients experiencing actual or perceived penile shortening that causes significant distress or functional impairment. This is commonly seen in men with Peyronie’s disease, where plaque formation leads to penile curvature and shortening.¹ Patient selection is crucial and involves a thorough evaluation of the underlying cause of length loss, the patient’s medical history, psychological status, and realistic expectations.²
Surgical procedures vary depending on the etiology and severity. For Peyronie’s disease, options may include plaque incision/excision and grafting, which aims to release the constricting plaque and fill the defect with graft material (e.g., saphenous vein, dermal graft, or synthetic materials).¹ When erectile dysfunction is also present, these lengthening maneuvers can be combined with the implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Techniques like the sliding technique, modified sliding technique (MoST), or the multiple-slit technique (MuST) are designed to maximize length gain during IPP placement in patients with severe shortening.³,¹
Expected outcomes include an increase in penile length, correction of deformity (if present), and improvement in sexual function and psychological well-being. However, outcomes can vary, and potential risks include nerve injury, altered sensation, infection, graft contraction, or recurrence of shortening. Recovery typically involves a period of rest, followed by rehabilitation protocols which may include penile traction therapy or specific inflation schedules for IPPs.¹ Success rates are generally good when patients are appropriately selected and procedures are performed by experienced surgeons.¹